What Living in Hawaii Has Taught Me (Important Life Lessons)
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- Опубликовано: 7 авг 2024
- Having grown up in Hawaii, lived some time on the mainland, and now raising my family in Hawaii, I wanted to share some of the life lessons I've learned because of my experiences in Hawaii. I'm still fairly young, so I have more lessons to learn along the way, but I'm glad for the opportunities and experiences I've been given that have developed my character into the person I am today. Still a work-in-progress. Still many more challenges ahead. But since I've been back in Hawaii for ten years after living away for a while, I thought it would be good to reflect back on what I've learned so far.
And thank you to @AuthenticallyCharles for his video about life lessons he's learned.
Hawaii Life Lessons Intro - 0:00
#1 Aloha is Easy to Say, but Hard to Do - 0:31
When Someone Cut in Line at the Grocery Store (story) - 1:36
I'm Still Learning Aloha - 4:42
#2 No One Really Thinks About Hawaii Outside of Hawaii - 5:12
The Time I Spent on the Mainland - 6:12
When I Would Come Back to Hawaii - 6:48
#3 Family is the Most Important Thing - 8:23
Remembering My Grandparents - 9:06
#4 A Little Initiative Goes a Long Way - 11:03
Picking Up Trash on the Ground - 11:34
Starting This RUclips Channel - 12:52
Closing - 13:17
Filmed using the Canon Vixia G60.
#hellofromhawaii
#hawaii
#livinginhawaii
📷 IG - / hello_from_hawaii
Mahalo for the great comments on this video. Just wanted to share some of the things I've learned living in Hawaii. 🤙
you know honolulu and Berlin seem to be very similar at least for me.
ALOHA MEANS SHARING OF BREATH LIKE WHEN YOU HUG SOMEONE.
HA IN HAWAIIAN MEANS BREATH.
I have a supermarket story, too, from when I was living in Kaneohe. Cut to the end, we had a melting down toddler in the cart, and were in line behind a lady with literally two carts of stuff because it was right before the holidays. She took at look at my grandson, and told us, "Here, you go first. I got too much stuff anyway." Totally aloha, bless her. One reason why I loved Hawaii.
Awesome that she let you go before her. 🤙
@@HelloFromHawaii We sure thought so! We were waaay past nap time. No animal crackers were doing the trick. We were in full wail. This lady had a halo in my book.
That’s the true “Aloha Spirit”🤙🏼🤙🏼
Interesting video. However, I think there must be a great balance of the Aloha Spirit and boundaries. The Aloha Spirit comes from a time when most of the general public in Hawaii shared the same values and gave back that Aloha to others. Now days, there are a lot of people -whether young and old - that are disrespectful or feel entitled. Such as your example of the Korean lady that cut in line. I bet she does this a lot, without a second thought, because people like you with the Aloha Spirit let her get away with that behavior. In an sense, she stepped all over you. I don't know the answer to that scenario. Maybe continue to professionally tell her that she is in the wrong - without yelling or swearing despite how upset one can be. Just to let her know that she won't get away with her antics. I think we as local people are used to being "stepped on" by people with these attitudes that come from somewhere else. That's what I learned from living on the mainland and I am glad I did. We definitely need boundaries in our lives.
Mahalo for the comment. It's hard. At the time, I was taken aback that she even butted in and said anything. I think most people would just let it go. But the fact that she spoke up surprised me. It caught me off guard more than anything.
Ho opono pono
I think about Hawaii everyday from Canada, been a few times and think about the next trip everyday!🇨🇦🤙
As a teenager working Dole Cannery for the summer!! Fun hard work!! Aloha Spirit has changed over the years sad to say that!! I lived on the mainland and will live the rest of my days here at home!! I just love this Aina!!
I WOEKED AT DEL MONTE CANNERY!!!
My Mom and aunties also worked at the cannery in the summer. Heard lots of great stories.
I worked at Libby cannery. Hard work but some cool people helped me there.
THANK YOU. LIVING IN LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA. 70 YEARS OLD TOMMOROW!!
I worked at the dole cannery for the summer a long time ago. Met a lot of friends there from all over Honolulu. Really enjoyed working there.
I’m going through an issue right now, kinda related to this video, but it got me thinking.
I love my family. I don’t necessarily want to leave them.
But its hard for me to make a hardly decent living where I am at. It’s basically the middle of nowhere. However I have a number of opportunities away from home in order really do anything or get ahead in life.
So I am stuck between being around my family, but not doing much. Or being well off but not at home.
I’m wondering if anyone else in this community is going through anything similar.
Great Video as always!
Had that situation 25 years ago. Born and raised in Hawaii, all my family is from Hawaii, most of my family has been in Hawaii since the early 1800s. Graduated from UH with an Electrical Engineering degree which doesn't have jobs in Hawaii, so I left. Of course, I might be different because I knew from a child that I wanted to leave and everybody knew it. I told my girlfriend I was leaving after graduating, we got married and moved to the mainland.
If your family can't understand that you have to live your own life, then you are going to have to weigh the pros and cons. I made enough money to go back enough to make them happy.
If you feel the confidence and willing to try it somewhere else, then definitely go. Sometimes, we don't know how good or bad we are until it is done. Moving away from family and friends is a test of your confidence and ability. It will be your time to measure yourself on your own. Like going into the deep water and unsure if you'll sink or swim. Sometimes holding on to family/friends, we hold ourselves back from soaring on our own. Family and friends will be exactly where you need them, a little farther away, but always watching your back. You have to believe in yourself being awesome and you can do it.
I know it's tough. Getting more expensive and we start thinking if it's worth it anymore. Hope you're able to figure things out 🤙
I’m sure so much of us feel this way! Home will always be here if you try it out and it doesn’t work out. And maybe you’ll be able to make enough money to visit home during the year since your cost of living will be lower. Best wishes ✨
Hello. Where can I purchase the hello from Hawaii shirt that you are wearing?
I commend you for your understanding and insight. I always look forward to seeing your prospective and videos. I myself is from Kahaluu, went to Waiahole school. We were all from a generation of farmers and our friendships have last a lifetime Thank you for inspiring and profound words. Well done
Aloha
I appreciate that 🤙
Bradah! LOL U one BRADAH!.....It's a beautiful thing when you can keep yourself in check and remind yourself how important it is to be and live humbly, gracefully, and understanding....
🤙
The way the world is heading you are the ambassador of "Aloha." Keep up the great work, appreciate you man!
Appreciate that
Chris, I really like your attitudes that you express in your videos.
These words of wisdom (from you) are those which your Sons will benefit from being taught.
Another video on a great topic. I love how you intentionally seek out abd create situations to explore what is it that makes Hawaii special and unique. Kudos for living with purpose and giving back to your family, both large and small.
You are quite the writer and narrator. Thanks for the inspiring video on patience, understanding, and aloha.
Mahalo 🤙
Thank you for another great video
I wish there are more people who really show Aloha . Sometimes I don’t mind if someone cuts me off if I am not in rush . I just rolled my eyes.
Living abroad for years since I was a kid
Is not the same.. Hawaii is such a family oriented island with big love ❤️
Stay safe and blessed 😇
🤙
Thank you for another great video. So true of everything you said. I wish more people practiced showing Aloha than just talking about Aloha. It all comes down to caring about and thinking of others and not just yourself, showing respect for others and having integrity (doing the right thing when nobody is watching). Yes, you were wronged by that woman, but in the end, YOU, are the better person for letting her go ahead of you. You have Aloha and she has none!
Mahalo for the comment. I wouldn't say she had no aloha. I don't know her circumstances in that situation. I just try to move on.
It meant so much to me when I was grocery shopping with my newborn in a carrier by myself and the lady in front of me at checkout offered to help me unload my groceries. Thanks for sharing some great life lessons.
Thanks for sharing!!
Best video you have made! I have lived here for almost 2 years and moved here to be near ohana who have been on Kaua’i for over 30 years. So even though I am a new resident (malihini), it was an easy transition (plus I grew up in Tokyo, Japan). Your first story struck a chord with me, seeing things through the lens of aloha. I have not encountered anyone rude or mistreating me but a few times I have had a stupid driver cut me off and I don’t honk, I just drive defensively and am glad nothing happened as a result and go about my day.
Great to hear that you don't honk out of anger. I hear it so many times on the road and it just gets everything more stressed.
Thank you for sharing wow that was deep with Aloha spirit. You are very genuine, authentic, and compassionate love your channel🙆💯🎶🙏👍🙋
Appreciate that 🤙
Aloha is hard sometimes
Thanks Good Bruhda
You taking care of da folks...
...when dey *ackin* *bad*
😉!!
I used to not say anything, but over time I have spoken up when I was clearly the next one up. However, if the person asked to be assisted first, and I have time, I have no issues with allowing that person to be helped before me. I just got fed up with not saying anything for years n years. I’m especially grateful to the attendant or cashier when they stopped another person trying to get their attention and assistance while in middle of my transaction. I tell them that I appreciate that they have spoken up and finished with me first. It isn’t always the case, but I do appreciate it.
dear- I am very geatfull for your channell. I see all your posts since 3 years from Berlin, Germany and they help me a lot, please keep going.
Mahalo. Appreciate it 🤙
Great video & perspective as always. 😎🤙
🤙
I’m more enthusiastic about visiting Hawaii since I watched your channel.
I’m not super interested in beaches so I’m glad that there’s more to explore. Another channel from Hawaii I recommend is Keeping It Rel.
The woman behind the channel is a nurse practitioner in the family as well. She makes her favorite Hawaiian recipe and it’s so much fun to watch.
Mahalo for the comment. I'll check out that channel 🤙
Your insight and communication skills are through the roof. Good stuff! Enjoyed your take on aloha. Ironically for me, I’ve learned a lot more about aloha, respect and honor while living in Japan. I’ll be making 30 years here next year. Aloha from Yokohama🤙🏽
Mahalo for the comment. Sometimes, it's time away where we learn those lessons from home.
Excellent Life Lessons. Mahalo for the outstanding video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Good video! I was away on the mainland too many years! I have picked up rubbish, too.
ALOHA ! You good. Thanks, make me think more. 🌴🌴
🤙
Another good video
Hawaii needs more individuals like you to speak about these unique island subject matters if we are to evolve into the future keeping alive the Aloha Spirit which gives us much of Our identity and persona as "local Hawaiian island people". We need to be better representatives of the Aloha Spirit "in house" to teach others how to practice and perpetuate it so it will be ushered into every future generation, ultimately being truly "The Gift of the Islands" for all who visit and more importantly for all who call it "Home".
Rev. B Noone´
Mahalo for the comment. 🤙
That’s what grandparents do. I grew up in Alaska but same thing. I spent hella time at my grandpa’s house growing up and I watch the Seahawks every weekend.
Thank you.
🤙
Mahalo for your videos!
Glad you like them!
First of all, thank you for the vlog. There are parallels in our perspectives that I appreciate and can relate too. Been living on the mainland for over 30 years, but Hawaii is home. Go back to visit about once a year. Probably more often now that my parents are aging. I think something that I do that people can consider doing is to pick up trash on the beaches. Doesn't take much but would help a lot with the animals actually living in the area.
Mahalo for the suggestion. Picking up rubbish is always helpful, especially at the beach.
Wow....gotta watch this one again. I lived in Hawaii (small kid time) but grew up in CA. I've traveled a lot thru most of the western US. Love to be able to just pack up the SUV and go. Often run into Hawaii locals sight seeing on Trailways buses. I love that many hike in rubbah slippahs ! Most people from Utah, AZ, CO, Montana etc I've met been so friendly and actually shown lot of Aloha. Hawaii will always be home....I make it back 3 to 4 times a year. You are right though, many locals think HA is the center of the universe. Sometimes not comfortable to voice opinions about politics, because so many are like minded in HA. "Democrats are nice and love everyone and Republicans are rich and mean." I miss great hiking venues, beaches, waterfalls, and really love when younger folks call me Uncle! You're doing a great job! Your lovely wife also.
🤙
ALOHA IS A LIFESTYLE
I’ve learned to not quit on people. They often do things for reasons different than those I would have done the same things. So maybe detach a bit but stay somewhat connected which allows time for maturity and reconciliation. ✝️😊🌷
You're doing good and it is a life time process that even when your twice your age, it still takes more practice. Developing a thick skin takes a long time. It will come, but, then again, the wife might think we become dense or slow. I watched my father-in-law, and nothing riled him mostly. Mind over matter. We don't mind and it doesn't matter.
Thank you for another great video!
Could you do a video discussing current status of how welcoming people are to newcomers in Hawaii? I ask cause I’m native Hawaiian (hapa), been away from home for 20 years, and convinced my hubby for us to raise our boys in Hawaii. But now he is having second thoughts cause even though he is dark (not Asian or Polynesian), the people associated with his job (fed govt) keep telling him “Don’t go, if you’re not brown you’re not down. Doesn’t matter if you married a local or Hawaiian”. I try reassure him, tell him give it chance, but he gets lots of people telling him this. I’m now wondering if I should have second thoughts about returning home but would make me sad if we make that decision because my older kids that grew up on the mainland have no connection to the aina & that makes me sad. But I also don’t want him or my kids to have a hard time there either
Mahalo for the comment. I don't think it's too bad for newcomers, but I understand the sentiment. Maybe something I could talk about in a future video. Thanks for the idea.
Hella respect to Hawai’i .
Thanks!
Mahalo for the Super Thanks
@@HelloFromHawaii You're welcome, and thanks again for your great videos!!
Interesting video
🤙
i grew up in Ewa Beach, and Hawaii is too changed to say I would go back to live there. I love the Hawaii where there were sugar cane pineapple fields, where is was just one traffic light, and just one road into and out of the town. Hawaii is a nice place to visit, but I'd never live there.
Good video! The Aloha spirit is something that more people on the mainland should practice. I know it’s hard sometimes. But we need to try harder and have compassion for all animals and nature in order to grow. Anger and resentment really only affects you and how you respond will help you, then that Aloha Spirit can help make this entire world a better, place to live in. This is one reason why I don’t eat animal and try to respect ball life as much as possible. Like your example of littering. As you probably know, plastic fills our oceans and waterways, both polluting it and killing many animals when they eat it. Then humans eat these animals and become sick or die.
I was just talking about this to my wife the other day. Crazy
Colorado, had to buy pants😁❄
Most times just got to let go the anger toward rude behavior and move on. You never know what the story might be (possible accident or something tragic on a person’s mind and they weren’t paying attention or they are really in a rush) and had they explained themselves maybe the victim would have understood.
🤙
Sounds like a different culture, with culture shock and reverse culture shock. Some states do feel different on the mainland. I’ve never visited Hawaii, So I don’t know your experience. I can say that strangely, there is a different culture in Minnesota where I now live than in Ohio where I attended high school. As it happens, Minnesota is my adult child’s home and near-native culture that he prefers. I often think that I’d be happier in Ohio or the east coast. My partner is from an East Asian culture, so his experience is so much more profound and different than my very limited experience of living in a different culture. I lived in East Asia for one year before I got married, but it was not long enough to truly understand daily life in my husband’s culture.
Tell us more about your experiences and aloha :)
You’re not yet 40. Why so specific an age? LOL is it all downhill after 40? Well, I guess I’m on the downward slope with no way to recover. No, no, that’s not how it works. You get a reset button at age 50. You’ll see.
lol. Not 40 yet, but that number was what I considered old when I was younger. I'm getting there 😄
Some thoughts:
1) “Aloha”, “Southern hospitality”, etc…these are all various forms to describe the timeless Golden Rule, “Do unto others, as you’d have done to you…”
2) There is no good reason to label the lady in this video as “Korean lady”…Koreans don’t have a monopoly on being selfish and inconsiderate. You’re only adding to a local stereotype…and not a good look for an ethnic Japanese to disparage Koreans as a group.
3) Just this afternoon, after waiting in the “car line” for 45min in order to pick up my daughter, a lady decided to disregard the car line and simply cut the line at the front…I felt exactly the way you did at the customer service line. The people to fix this is the store in your case, and the school in my case.
In response to #2, her being Korean didn't have anything to do with her behavior. I'm just identifying her in my story.
@@HelloFromHawaii It’s simply not a good look, especially in a video about “life lessons”. You’re a fairly bright and thoughtful guy, you have to understand that identifying her by race or ethnicity adds nothing except to worsen a stereotype for those who are already inclined to believe it. I’m personally as far from “woke” as a fair person can be these days, but this part of your video is simply cringy.
Would you identify her as Jewish, Black, Hawaiian, etc?…
I agree, the fact she was Korean had no relevance to the story. The message would have gotten across if you had identified her as just another customer.
Aloha and being pono is not easy! It takes work🤙.
I feel your pain but you live aloha and a better person.
Born and raised in Honolulu and worked in Waikiki and moved to Los Angeles 36 years ago. We try coming back several time a year, and I must say Hawaii sadly lost that True Aloha Spirit compared to when I worked in Waikiki some 39 years ago.
Chris, I almost hate to say this but, I surely would have called the woman out!
My fondest memory was walking barefoot to Campbell High on the hot asphalt of Papipi Road.
🤙🏿
Aloha doesn't mean doormat. In my opinion it would mean telling her in a loving but firm manner that no, you were way over there with your cart while I was standing here in line watching you come this way. Clearly you are trying to pull a fast one, and I'm not going to fight with you, but, you were NOT before me in line and I have small children in the car waiting for me.
Unfortunately what you described doing at the store may be why the Hawaiian Kingdom was so easily stolen by entitled, deceptive, bullies. Love and kindness do have to be balanced with strength and self respect.
Mahalo for the comment. Your comment about the Hawaiian Kingdom is observant, as I've been reading Hawaii's Story by Queen Liliuokalani. It's been a great read so far.
Great video, this from a katonk.
😆
Now traveling in Maine and Asians are a minority.
I overhead a conversation that mentions Asians ate pushy and cut in line. They brought up examples of train riders in Japan. Pushing and cutting in line. They have never experienced that situation, but I had to give reasons why they do that on the last train. They also mentioned other ethnicities and tried guessing my background. I was one of a few with a selfie stick.
Selfie stick 😁
Hell nah on the waiting in line incident, gotta stand up for yourself and what’s right. Just my opinion.
😆
I had the same experience waiting in line to take a photo of a rock formation. A couple took their time. Then another couple came after me and offered to photo the first couple.
Then they reciprocated the photo offer and they took their time.
I felt invisible.
Yeah, hard to practice aloha in times like that 😅
I would "let it go" with the line thing, yes she was wrong, as have dealt with this in the past, esp if its an old lady.
Eh I'm from kaneohe too 🤙
It’s hard to give the Aloha on the mainland when they don’t understand or anger felt the Aloha personally
I understand that it can be hard.
Last one, Mate: I have what might be construed as an odd request to ask of you: Can you please make a video wherein you speak ONLY da kine? I can understand it, and Hawai'i pidgin English, which I can listen to all day.
lol. That might be a tough one. Gonna have to work on the subtitles 😆
@@HelloFromHawaii Hawaii Pidgin is comprehensible so I do not think that subtitles are needed.
Your picking up trash story reminds me of the Pono Pledge on the big island. Total hypocritical crap. I drove by the trash dump that was supposed to be a TMT protest. Lead by example. Don't demand aloha or respect, live a life where it comes naturally. Good video Chris.
🤙
One thing about the states is we could do road trips and venture into the other states so it never gets boring, I too get bored when I go visit my parents on Kauai, and you are spot on when it comes to eating the same foods all the time.
It is never boring if you can fly to the other islands and enjoy the beauty and activities that are different than on Oahu. Lanai has home grown food restaurants and it is so good. Also, Molokai offers a true sense of family and the most scenic views you could hope for. I had to leave Hawaii in the late 80's due to my husband's work, but would go back in a second. You will never experience aloha on the mainland where violence is a daily occurence.
True aloha spirit would have corrected her promptly so she would not be incorrect again.
How did you know she was Korean?
.did she say mahalo?
No, but that's okay
As someone who is not native hawaiian by blood, have you ever been made to feel you don't belong or unwanted?
Never felt like that.
Why you do that to my Korean wife. That's the culture. Have you ever been on a Korean subway? LoL She can do what she wants, she makes the best kimchee.
lol
She was practicing selfishness, not Aloha.
I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.
Da kine...maybe get too many people jammed on O'ahu...
Eh, summa yu guys, move house to Hawai'i !!
...House cost less ova dea !
😆😁
Maybe the Korean lady wasn’t born and raised in Hawaii. Makes a difference.
Maybe. Still have to show her aloha.
1- Aloha is a feel good idealistic visualism catch word to promote tourism. What you experienced at the grocery store is the reality of life. 2- The reality of family is that it's great to have family reunions as long as they live in different cities. They talk about the same thing over and over again and rehash old conflicts. Their view of you never change no matter how much you have changed since childhood, no respect. Weaker family members (siblings and others) will put a drain on you mentally, physically, and monetarily that will affect your health, your marriage and children, and your career. 3 - Maybe people should mind where they throw their trash...not an Aloha spirit behavior.
I haven't experienced that rehashing old conflicts at family reunions. We're just glad to see each other.